Couple of months ago, I paid a visit to a toy dealer. While going through the toys he had for sale, I noticed a photo of a gas station laying around a toy cabinet. I asked Dave if he knew where the gas station was. Dave told me: "yes, it is my girlfriend's uncle in the picture & the station was on Washington street in San Leandro, CA".

Selling 3 brands in one station? Was this a normal practice then?

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Yes back in the days during and after the big depression most of the fuel companies competed hard to show their names.It was very common to see more than one brand at location. Sure do wish they would compete today with pricing wars again.

"Independent dealers" (those that actually owned their own stations) could sell what ever brand(s) they wished. There are lots of old photos out there showing multiple brands on pumps in the same station.

Thanks to advertising, customers began asking for particular brands. Thus began customer loyality. Pretty soon, the oil companies realized that they had the power to set the rules. So, if your customers were asking for Texaco, and you wanted to sell Texaco, you signed a contract stating that you would "only" sell Texaco. or Shell etc.

This is why when you get an old pump, and start stripping it, you'll usually notice several different decals.

Of course, another reason for the multiple decals would have been when the station owner changed out his pumps, for new ones, the old ones would be sold to who ever needed a working pump.

A different station, for farm use, or even a company that had a fleet of service trucks.

Thanks to azjockey & Don for the education. Very interesting history behind the 3-brand stations. It must have been a big challenge to be able to manage those stations: 3 separate tanks!

BTW, I tied to purchase the photo but Dave told me that his girlfriend would NEVER sell it. I do respect her decision because of the family history behind it. I asked Dave if I could get a professional scan of it . Dave agreed. So, I had it scanned and the image is good enough for a maximum print size :11x17. I would prefer mine on CANVAS. The cost for CANVAS is higher than normal PHOTO PAPER since stretching is required before it is framed.

I told Dave I would provide additional prints should he decides to sell them on-line. Dave will offer the prints on PHOTO PAPER only. Price has not been set!

You'd also find these "multi" brand stations in rural areas and in "pass through" towns in the 20s and 30s, that highways went through.

I am told, this station in Holy City, CA, sold 10 different brands. On the canopy it says, "NAME YOUR GAS OR OIL - WE HAVE IT." Like Don said, "Thanks to advertising, customers began asking for particular brands."